How to Propagate Pomegranate from Cuttings

The nursery of propagate pomegranate from cuttings should be on sandy soil with deep soil layer, loose texture and good water storage and fertility. Now let's focus on the cutting time and technical points of pomegranate cutting.

1. Selection of cutting time of pomegranate

As long as the temperature and humidity are suitable, pomegranate cutting can be carried out all year round, but the optimum cutting period is different from place to place. The cutting is mainly in spring and autumn, and the cutting in autumn is better than that in spring. At this time, the temperature is low and the water evaporation is less, which is conducive to rooting and survival. The cutting is usually carried out from October to November, but it should not be too early or too late, otherwise it will freeze to death due to early germination or soil freezing. The cutting time in spring is mostly from the thawing of soil to the flowering of pomegranate trees. Most of them are carried out in the rainy season from July to September, and the cutting effect in August is the best.

2. Pomegranate cutting method

Pomegranate long branch cutting

When using long cuttings, generally, a ditch or pit 30-45cm deep shall be dug first, and then the cuttings shall be slightly inclined into the ditch or pit. Finally, about 45cm of soil shall be cultivated and compacted to make the cuttings close to the soil. We use pomegranate short cuttings for cutting. The trenching depth can be determined according to the length of cuttings, which is generally about 30cm. Three quarters or more of the cuttings are buried in the soil and firm, exposing the ground for 5-6cm; There are also those who first firm the soil or directly cut on the hard soil. They can first drill holes in the ground and then cut, or they can directly smash pomegranate cuttings into the soil. Generally, cutting in autumn can be out of the nursery the next year, and pomegranate cutting in spring can be out of the nursery in the same year.

Pomegranate short branch cuttings

Short branch cutting is mostly used for mass seedling propagation. Cut the cuttings just cut or stored in wet sand, cut the stem thorns and water loss and shrinkage parts, and then cut the long cuttings into short cuttings with 12 ~ 15cm long and 2 ~ 3 nodes from top to bottom, and cut the lower end near the node into a smooth slope, so as to increase the contact surface between the cambium and the soil, which is conducive to rooting. Cut the upper end of the cuttings 0.5 ~ 1cm away from the bud hole. Immediately immerse the lower slope of the cuttings in clean water for 12 ~ 24 hours to make the cuttings fully absorb water. It can also be soaked in 0.00015% naphthylacetic acid or 5% sucrose solution for 12 hours before cutting. We can press 30 cm × The row plant spacing is 12 cm, the cutting slope is inserted into the soil downward, and the bud eye at the upper end is 1 ~ 2 cm away from the ground. We can record the variety, quantity, border number and cutting date immediately after pomegranate cutting. Finally, irrigate water to make the cuttings close to the soil. After the land is slightly dry, loosen the soil in time to preserve moisture. After irrigation, it can also be covered with plastic film or crushed wheat straw and crop straw to preserve moisture.

3. How to care for pomegranate after cutting propagation?

After propagating pomegranate from cuttings, we need to spray water again. We can also spray with 1:800-1000 times of rooting agent solution. When cutting in spring, a small arch can be set up and covered with a layer of transparent plastic film for heat preservation and moisture retention. When cutting in summer and autumn, the arch can be covered with a layer of shading net or bamboo curtain to play a good role in moisturizing and shading. In this way, the cuttings after cutting can ensure sufficient moisture. Generally, the wound will heal and sprout roots will grow in a month. After one year's growth, the branches planted in spring and summer can be transplanted into pomegranate tree pots the next spring. However, for pomegranate cuttings planted in autumn, due to the late cutting time, there will be fewer roots, and it will take another year to transplant.
After propagating pomegranate from cuttings, we need to put the plant in a cool and ventilated place. The plant is afraid of water logging. During rooting, it needs appropriate watering, no fertilization or light. After the plant grows roots in the later stage, the plant can be maintained in a place with sufficient light, properly watered and fertilized to provide sufficient nutrition for the plant to grow.
During the maintenance period, it should be noted that the growth rate of pomegranate trees is relatively fast. Generally, the pots need to be changed once a year or two, and pruning is also needed, which can save nutrients and promote the growth of flowers and leaves. Plants are afraid of waterlogging and drought. They need appropriate watering. If the air is dry, increase the watering amount and spray water on the leaves appropriately to humidify and replenish water for the plants. (Read more about pomegranate tree grow propagation in pot.)